tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post7013575607983779035..comments2017-12-13T20:47:32.016-05:00Comments on Rex Parker Does the NYT Crossword Puzzle: SUNDAY, Jun. 17, 2007 - Tony Orbach & Patrick BlindauerRex Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16145707733877505087noreply@blogger.comBlogger37125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-39589400544915217212007-06-30T13:14:00.000-04:002007-06-30T13:14:00.000-04:00I think I was the only one who had "fled" for 31D-...I think I was the only one who had "fled" for 31D-"Ran" instead of the correct "bled" <BR/><BR/>I knew "fleach" didn't look right for 31A!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-32618625928065948792007-06-29T20:01:00.000-04:002007-06-29T20:01:00.000-04:00This was a cleverly-named theme. It would be inter...This was a cleverly-named theme. It would be interesting to hear from the constructors lurking here how themes develop in the "Little grey cells."Me Againnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-28334711279614032652007-06-29T19:57:00.000-04:002007-06-29T19:57:00.000-04:00It's the next Friday, and I just finished. This wa...It's the next Friday, and I just finished. This was an enjoyable slog for me. I echo jae, and most others pretty much down the line. We have a jar of BREAD AND BUTTER PICKles on hand at all times. TRICK DOWN THEORY was the Aha! moment. Was tempted to google "armpit" but resisted. <BR/><BR/>Since I started coming here, I am more and more loath to google. Hmmm, I wonder why:)<BR/><BR/>Thought BOOGY WOOGY BUG BOY was delicious.WWPierrenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-36738581806383068292007-06-25T18:51:00.000-04:002007-06-25T18:51:00.000-04:00San Diego Union-Tribune ran this puzzle June 24, S...San Diego Union-Tribune ran this puzzle June 24, Sunday after Fathger's Day, with the title spelled "Rear Axel"!!!Misspelling adds to the puzzle's difficulty, I'd say.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-75656470800607196972007-06-24T20:28:00.000-04:002007-06-24T20:28:00.000-04:00A week later. I also like reading the all comment...A week later. I also like reading the all comments later. Regarding online sovling, for me there is something INTRINSICALLY (IPSO FACTO) pleasing about folding up the newpaper, sharpening a pencil, a settling in a comfortable chair. Also, I often take the weekend puzzles with me when chauffeuring my spouse. She knows if I have a puzzle I won't rush her. I much enjoyed this puzzle and the comments. I would only add that the OSLIN SSGTS crossing was as equally hard for me as the LEOS ARIOSE one. I've never heard of K. T. and there are at least two other types of sergeant (MASTER and TOP) that could fit the S square). Luckily, I guessed right.jaenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-49988807475209925212007-06-24T12:35:00.000-04:002007-06-24T12:35:00.000-04:00I have been wanting to connect with you, Rex, et ...I have been wanting to connect with you, Rex, et al, for weeks. In Seattle ( Times and Post-Intelligencer combine for Sunday) we get the NYT Crosswrd a week late. <BR/> So, alone in my cabin across the Strait of Juan de Fuca ( there must be a clue/reference worthy of that august name )in the wild woods,fire blazing,tea steaming,dogs snoring,cat drooling,pen in hand, I do my best. I do pretty well some weeks. Others, I am ready to take the pipe.<BR/> Come Monday (Never on Sunday,except today by a flook )I CHEAT my brains out on your blog. Holy XWORD often undoes me. Your blog saves me when I am sure that menopause has killed my every brain cell! <BR/>Anyway, wish I could join the up to the moment discussion but I really like reading you and the comments a week later. <BR/><BR/> REAR AXLE comments inspire me to say: As Death begins in the colon, I want to wish a clean and happy ano to all !<BR/>Thanks,Cristinamenopuzzlernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-25002159419612222672007-06-20T00:01:00.000-04:002007-06-20T00:01:00.000-04:00Rex:Well, nobody said it was easy.I appreciate the...Rex:<BR/><BR/><BR/>Well, nobody said it was easy.<BR/><BR/>I appreciate the criticisms (of puzzles) I see here...reckoned you might feel the same...<BR/><BR/>Best,<BR/><BR/><BR/>PG :)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-42343926828074611272007-06-19T22:21:00.000-04:002007-06-19T22:21:00.000-04:00Pen Girl,You scare me a little, frankly. Ever sinc...Pen Girl,<BR/><BR/>You scare me a little, frankly. Ever since you went out of your way to "bitch-slap" my writing style that one day, I don't know what to expect. It was such a weirdly unprompted, vaguely personal attack. That said, I always like comments from you, because, well, who the @#$# knows what's coming? You have an edge and aren't afraid to use it. That's cool. Mostly. <BR/><BR/>I don't mind what you call puzzle "ass-kissing" from other bloggers / commenters because I think there's an importance to collegiality and community-building. And I really do like politeness, as a rule. One can be critically ruthless while still remaining decent. As the guy in charge here, I'm constantly trying to walk this line between being brutally frank and being kind, generous, forgiving. Honest and yet conscientious. It's ... not always easy, and as I've found out a few times in recent weeks, I do not please all of the people all of the time. Far from it.<BR/><BR/>I find Barry snide in an un-fun way sometimes. I know he's a fan, and I'm grateful for every one I have. It's just ... There's no need to put down or discourage a new blogger. Absolutely none. I got trashed when I started. Flat-out attacked. So I am defensive of those who put their words / opinions "on the line," as you say, every day, for others to admire and / or carp at. And the new kid has real potential. If you know and appreciate the difference between good and bad writing, and can distinguish genuine thoughtfulness from self-indulgence and solipsism, then I think you might like Crossnerd's blog. If not, so be it. But ignorant, imperious disdain contributes nothing significant to the conversation.<BR/><BR/>Anyway, I apologize to Barry for my tone, though he seems tough enough and probably wasn't fazed. And as for you, Pen Girl, you're my kind of fan: loyal, but in a non-fawning, bad-cop kind of way. <BR/><BR/>rp<BR/><BR/>PS you may not read it as much anymore, but Amy's blog is the real deal - a true hardcore puzzler's blog. And as I've said many times, if not for her support, the only people reading this blog are me and my family.Rex Parkerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16145707733877505087noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-24956551561565732882007-06-19T20:22:00.000-04:002007-06-19T20:22:00.000-04:00The reason I read this blog is because of a link t...The reason I read this blog is because of a link that Amy posted.<BR/><BR/>As a consequence -- I don't read Amy's blog as much as I used to. (Sorry, Amy -- I love your blog but there's only so much time to spare). <BR/><BR/>And Rexy here puts so much more on the line, opinion wise -- as do the commenters.<BR/><BR/>With that said, I want to say that I don't know why Rex bitch-slapped Barry the way he did. Personally I find Barry's comments a welcome reprieve from (some commenters') mindless ano-kissing.<BR/><BR/>Obviously, Barry is a fan of this blog and so am I. I don't think he was trying to be nasty.<BR/><BR/>Rex: You are the King. Please don't trade that for the title of Little Lord Fauntleroy.<BR/><BR/><BR/>Pen Girl<BR/><BR/><BR/>PS: (I understand the invitation extends to me as well...).Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-1344509033834812782007-06-19T11:14:00.000-04:002007-06-19T11:14:00.000-04:00Barry,Nobody cares what you will or won't read.You...Barry,<BR/><BR/>Nobody cares what you will or won't read.<BR/><BR/>You are officially invited to stop reading this blog and give other blogs a shot. I'm not hurting for readers at this point, so I can afford to spread the love.<BR/><BR/>rpRex Parkerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16145707733877505087noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-80600938930509891272007-06-19T10:57:00.000-04:002007-06-19T10:57:00.000-04:00No offense to the Nerd, but that's more than one t...No offense to the Nerd, but that's more than one too many crossword blogs for me. Especially if Rex continues to renege on his promise to cut back.barrywephttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04025848655112601237noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-50769597191007445372007-06-18T18:43:00.000-04:002007-06-18T18:43:00.000-04:00Leigh, the Sunday crossword's near the end of the ...Leigh, the Sunday crossword's near the end of the New York Times Magazine. On weekdays, it lurks in the Arts section.Orangehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12433254398377357737noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-77492437316567130312007-06-18T15:25:00.000-04:002007-06-18T15:25:00.000-04:00I can't believe no one complained about 39 down: s...I can't believe no one complained about 39 down: sup for "how ya doin?" but then again "Them" was the scariest movie I'd ever seen as a child - so I'm one of those shawl people.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-14428172090445335982007-06-17T22:00:00.000-04:002007-06-17T22:00:00.000-04:00help! what page number is the crossword on?help! what page number is the crossword on?LEIGHhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13189506916480012553noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-2440585456556298422007-06-17T21:58:00.000-04:002007-06-17T21:58:00.000-04:00Tony... sorry about your initials... and I thought...Tony... sorry about your initials... and I thought my elem. school classmate Anthony Steven<BR/>S_ _ _ _ _ had it bad! Good for you for being a good sport about it!Fitzynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-16428488896643866692007-06-17T19:50:00.000-04:002007-06-17T19:50:00.000-04:00Really didn't like the theme today, but overall fo...Really didn't like the theme today, but overall found the puzzle enjoyable. <BR/><BR/>I assume that "dangle carrots" is in the form "shady investors dangle carrots before reticent investors to scam them into risky investment."<BR/><BR/>If so then I really don't like its inclusion in the puzzle since the source phrase for each other is a stand alone noun whereas "dangle carrots" only makes sense in the context of a larger sentence.<BR/><BR/>Anyway, my great grandmother made the best bread and butter pickles in the whole world. Though hers were the only ones I'd ever tasted until about a decade ago when I started seeing them in stores. Hers were still better.Alexhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07543077687426776863noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-61454691137313401382007-06-17T17:26:00.000-04:002007-06-17T17:26:00.000-04:00i'm thinking the EST for ballpark figure is an est...i'm thinking the EST for ballpark figure is an estimation -- not the standard "established." pro sports leagues generally count no-shows as part of the attendance with the rationale that the tickets were purchased. (in nfl exhibitions, there are tons of no-shows since most of the games have the lesser-known players vying for final roster spots. and, of course, the games mean virtually nothing.) -- nunyo.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-21991649156244106602007-06-17T17:17:00.000-04:002007-06-17T17:17:00.000-04:00I really enjoyed the puzzle -- thanks Tony and Pat...I really enjoyed the puzzle -- thanks Tony and Patrick!<BR/><BR/>I figured out the end "le" pretty quickly. I got "Bread and Butter Pick" first and made the mistake of thinking the "le" would be at the end of each phrase instead of possibly at the end of a word within the phrase...so that stumped me for a bit. <BR/><BR/>Thanks, Rex, for "Whitey on the Moon" very provactive and I had not heard of him before. I appreciate you giving tips like that.Kittnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-62143397525577511152007-06-17T16:49:00.000-04:002007-06-17T16:49:00.000-04:00Enjoyed reading the comments on this fun puzzle. ...Enjoyed reading the comments on this fun puzzle. But because of all the opera or musical clues, I was thinking <B>Plácido</B> Domingo for 30A. Maybe because I've been listening to him singing "Carmen," and I couldn't get his glorious voice outta my head.<BR/><BR/>Speaking of Spanish, his name could roughly be translated as "Peaceful Sunday."<BR/><BR/>Hope all the Dads have a great Plácido Domingo.Isabella di Pestonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-1539811394854640872007-06-17T15:26:00.001-04:002007-06-17T15:26:00.001-04:00Thanks from the rest of the team as well. I had to...Thanks from the rest of the team as well. I had to laugh at the discussion of ano above - my initials happen to be ANO, and my non-Spanish-speaking mother once gave me a monogrammed leather box for my birthday, which gave my working-on-fluent-in-Spanish teenage daughter quite a laugh.<BR/><BR/>Return of the shout out to Patrick, for the same reasons - looking forward to other puzzles we have in the hopper.<BR/><BR/>Lastly, a few other unused entries we had a fondness for: SINGWHITEFEMALE and MORTARANDPEST -and, another odd-person out for the LE in the middle of a word, GAMINONESEYE. The clue might have needed a BETTY GRAB-- reference...<BR/><BR/>Happy puzzling,<BR/>Tony OrbachAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-57638564977894807332007-06-17T15:26:00.000-04:002007-06-17T15:26:00.000-04:00The ano comment reminded me of an essay I wrote fo...The ano comment reminded me of an essay I wrote for a Spanish class. To doublecheck, I entered the Spanish text into a free translation site, without using the tilde. Instead of the character being 37 years old...well, you can guess what it said about him ; )Linda Ghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15816794362786044423noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-64177849907473139472007-06-17T15:19:00.000-04:002007-06-17T15:19:00.000-04:00Thanks for the link!Bread and butter pickles are s...Thanks for the link!<BR/><BR/>Bread and butter pickles are sweet pickles. Their name is a bit mysterious-- they're not meant to, say, be eaten on buttered bread. This I can tell you for certain, because I tried it once when I was little. Yuck.<BR/><BR/>Not my favorite theme fill today either, though. :P<BR/><BR/>-Nikki (the crossnerd)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-5117191780696225882007-06-17T15:10:00.000-04:002007-06-17T15:10:00.000-04:00Cleopatra's Needle - there are three of them:http:...Cleopatra's Needle - there are three of them:<BR/><BR/><A HREF="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cleopatra's_Needle" REL="nofollow">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cleopatra's_Needle</A><BR/><BR/>HEN OF TROY would have been glorious.Rex Parkerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16145707733877505087noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-24676693784988985792007-06-17T15:06:00.000-04:002007-06-17T15:06:00.000-04:00I don't get the cleopatrasneed entry...help?I don't get the cleopatrasneed entry...help?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-86378385156893728282007-06-17T14:45:00.000-04:002007-06-17T14:45:00.000-04:00Thanks for the swell write up. I've never heard '...Thanks for the swell write up. I've never heard 'cotton' used as a verb, so I guess we're even! Seriously, I have to hand it to Nancy Salomon who helped us hone this theme. She's a real gem. Some alternate theme entries that were considered were SOUPLAD, PELTGUN, HENOFTROY, CABNETWORK, GETTHEADOUT, APINGLIZARDS, CLEOPATRASNEED, BIBBEATER and RUNTHETAB.<BR/><BR/>Anyhooch, I also want to give a shout out to Tony for being an all-around swell guy (as well as a dyno-mite collaborator), and to Will for making our clues fit for public consumption.<BR/><BR/>Best,<BR/>PBlindauerAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com